Let’s Go See the Totem Poles in Ketchikan, Alaska! 7 Recommended Tourist Spots

Ketchikan, a port city in the southwestern part of Alaska, becomes especially lively with tourists during the summer. Known for its salmon fishing since long ago, Ketchikan developed through the construction of canneries and the Gold Rush. After the Gold Rush settled down, the city came to rely mainly on fishing and tourism, which remain its primary industries today.

In this article, we’ll introduce 7 recommended tourist spots in Ketchikan.

1. Creek Street

Meaning “inlet street,” Creek Street is a must-visit attraction in Ketchikan. Located at the mouth of Ketchikan Creek, it’s a boardwalk-style shopping street built on stilts over the water.

The structures along the creek serve various purposes—unique shops, small museums, restaurants, and even private homes—all standing above the riverbank. Although walking on this elevated boardwalk may feel a little uneasy at first, you’ll quickly get used to it with the number of tourists around.

The street is especially known for its abundance of gift shops, making it a great place to buy souvenirs from Ketchikan.

2. Misty Fjords

The area around Ketchikan is home to many dramatic valleys carved by glaciers, known as fjords. Among them, Misty Fjords, located about 65 km east of Ketchikan, is one of the most popular tourist destinations due to its stunning natural beauty.

With its blue lakes, glacial valleys, and mystical waterfalls, Misty Fjords offers breathtaking scenery that captivates visitors. Depending on the season, you might also spot wildlife such as whales, eagles, or seals.

Taking a guided tour is highly recommended, as you’ll be accompanied by experienced guides who can enrich your adventure. Set off on an Alaskan journey by small floatplane or boat from Ketchikan.

3. Totem Heritage Center

Totem poles originated from the northwestern coastal regions of North America, including Alaska. The Tlingit people who lived near Ketchikan had a particularly rich tradition of totem carving.

At the Totem Heritage Center, located in a residential area of Ketchikan, you can view a collection of historic totem poles created by Alaska’s Native peoples. Totem poles often depict ancestry, family lineage, and cultural legends—not religious symbols—and are usually erected inside or outside homes like signposts.

The center also displays a variety of fishing tools used by the Tlingit people, who relied on salmon for their livelihood. It’s the perfect place to learn about Ketchikan before Western settlers arrived.

4. Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

Located just beyond a winding road from Ketchikan, past a cape, the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary is a 40-acre experiential nature attraction.

Here, you can take guided tours to search for wildlife living in the forest or explore the remains of an old sawmill. The site also features a totem pole carver’s gallery and a raptor exhibit, offering plenty to see.

During salmon spawning season, bears come to hunt, providing a chance to witness dramatic wildlife scenes up close. The trails aren’t very steep or rugged, so it’s easy to join a guided tour while visiting Ketchikan.

5. Saxman Native Village

Located just south of Ketchikan, Saxman is a quiet village home to about 150 Indigenous residents. Its Tribal House is known for housing the largest collection of totem poles.

The village also includes an active totem pole carving studio where you can watch artists at work. If you join a tour, local Indigenous people will often welcome you with traditional dances. You’ll even get the chance to dance together at the end, making for a memorable cultural experience.

6. Taquan Air Tours

How about a sightseeing tour over Ketchikan in a floatplane? On clear days, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the stunning fjords from the sky—a refreshing and exhilarating experience.

The pilots are friendly and knowledgeable, making the tour both informative and comfortable. While flying, you’ll hear stories about Ketchikan’s history and nature, making time fly by.

By the way, “Taquan” means “village by the sea” in the language of the Indigenous Tsimshian people. It also plays off “Taak’w Aan,” the Tlingit name for Annette Island, just south of Ketchikan.

7. Potlatch Totem Park

Potlatch Totem Park is built on what used to be a traditional Tlingit fishing ground. The park features recreated clan houses and totem poles from five different Indigenous groups.

Some of the totems are quite unique and different, making it a fascinating place to explore and compare each one.

The park also includes antique items such as a 1934 Ford coupe and vintage firearms. Surrounded by a state park with well-maintained walking trails, it’s a perfect spot to visit while strolling around Ketchikan.

◎ Summary

In this article, we introduced 7 recommended sightseeing spots in Ketchikan, a city famous for its totem poles and salmon. Ketchikan embraces and preserves its Indigenous heritage while using it to enrich its tourism offerings. It’s a place where you can enjoy both nature and history at once—so be sure to include Ketchikan on your itinerary when visiting Alaska.

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Let’s Go See the Totem Poles in Ketchikan, Alaska! 7 Recommended Tourist Spots